Kawasaki’s MY 2020 Lineup To Get Radar Technology

• Kawasaki will be the first Japanese bikemaker to have the complete Advanced Rider Assistance system on its motorcycles.
• The new radar-based system from Bosch consists of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind spot detection
• It has radars on the front and back of the motorcycle.
• The tech is expected to debut in Kawasaki’s high-end touring bikes like the Ninja H2 SX.

Kawasaki has announced the introduction of radar-based safety technology in its upcoming MY 2021 lineup. Called the Advanced Rider Assistance system, this technology has been developed by Bosch. It has three features: adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind spot detection. While Kawasaki has not mentioned which of its motorcycles will benefit from the technology, we would place our bets on the high-end touring bikes such as the Ninja H2 SX, Ninja 1000 SX and Versys 1000. The Ninja ZX-14R would have been an ideal candidate as well but Kawasaki has decided to discontinue the motorcycle post-2020.  

The adaptive cruise control factors in the distance between the motorcycle and the vehicle ahead and adjusts the vehicle speed accordingly. This helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In case the vehicle in front drastically slows down or stops, the system warns the rider either via a warning on the dash, an audio signal or haptic feedback. Another advantage of the system is the blind spot detection tech. It uses the rear radar to detect vehicles in the rider’s blind spot and alerts them via a warning light integrated into the mirrors. 

Radar-based detection system isn’t new with Suzuki and Ducati working on their own systems and Honda working on a radar equipped helmet. There is even portable radar-based blind spot detection tech available in the market. With motorcycle tech following advancements in car safety technology, the radar-based systems are poised to be the next big thing.